Shortly after I purchased my 2002 ASCL 31’ I discovered that the living area bi-fold table had a minor imperfection (raised area at hinges); so I called Jackson Center and they said no problem and sent me another, which when received was for a “Classic”, not a “Limited”, and thus not solid oak. So again I called Jackson Center, advised of the error, and they then sent me the correct solid oak one. I offered to return both of them but they declined as they did not want to incur the return shipping.
Now, not being one to discard something of value, I put both in my attic, where they’ve festered for the last 11+ years…………..but, THEY HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ON MY MIND! A solution looking for a problem.
I have the twin bed with night table configuration. This doesn’t allow for sitting on the side of the bed and eating a meal, playing games, etc. because the night table is not “in front of you”. So, with the bi-fold table weighing heavily on my mind all these years the solution finally realized the problem, i.e. just mount the bi-fold table on top of the night table, pull out the extension, open the table and problem is solved.
The modifications that had to be made were as follows:
- Had to position the bi-fold table to clear the 12 volt outlet over the night table.
- Had to determine the reference of the sliding extension. This resulted in removal and slightly repositioning it under the table.
- Had to fabricate a cosmetic oak trim cover panel for the bi-fold table exposed hinges. This was done with oak trim I had pulled out of the trash while at Jackson Center several years ago; you know something of value; one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Anyway, I mirrored the frontal slide shape and routed out the trim panel where the hinges protrude, then inlaid 8 very small super magnets in the cover such that they are directly over the Phillips screws which hold the hinges in place, that gave me a “snap on” fit.
- Had to fabricate cosmetic covers for the sides of the slide mechanism from some more of that trash.
- Had to determine how to attach the bi-fold table to the top of the night table. This was done using silicone rubber; being very careful not to allow it to interfere with the pull out slide (I used silicone rubber as I didn’t want to damage the night table top if I was to ever remove the bi-fold top).
Now if I could just figure out what to do with the “Classic” (non solid oak) bi-fold table; it may take another 11+ years; I’ll work on it.
Following are photos of the solution for anyone with this problem:
................ Its a thought
.
; foiled again
!
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